Dear Mr Mandela ...
Welcome to the official Nelson Mandela 85th Birthday Message Book, page 18
Nelson Mandela turned 85 on 18 July 2003 - and you, and you, and you ... sent him 17 842 birthday messages via the official Mandela 85th Birthday website.
A selection of your messages has been published in this Book. See the box on the right for the full list of pages.
Happy birthday Mandela - my school is at Roedean, the grade 0 children wish you happy birthday.
Gina Niven
Johannesburg, South Africa
Happy birthday, and may God give you many days to live.
Fhatuwani Ramabulana
Limpopo province, South Africa
Ube lithemba kwabo bathi baphelelwa lithemba: HIV/Aids; wakhela abantu izikolo apho bekungenakufikele bani. Wamela inyaniso ukude kube lelithuba. Masimbulele uThixo ngobomi nangobukho bakho. Halala Dibashe Halala. Happy Birthday Dlomo.
Xolile
Nabe
Hughbury, Kuils River, Western Cape, South Africa
May God bless you with good health and happiness. Happy birthday.
Bernard Wentzel
Sir Lowry's Pass, Western Cape, South Africa
An apple tree was sown in our land.
Small and fragile its journey began.
Withstanding many a storm,
never withering or being torn.
Now that tree is strong and tall.
With outstreched branches it bears the sweetest fruits to all,
leaving seeds in our hearts and hands.
We will never forget the
the tree that changed
our land.
Thankyou for the Love
you have shown,
thankyou for the Orchard
you have grown,
you will always be
the biggest tree,
happy birthday
and God bless Thee,
love
Angela
Pretoria, South Africa
Happy Birthday ntokangubengcuka,kahala kamadiba kamandela bekungange usombawo ,akugcine kuba usisisele senyathi sokudimbaza
ihlabathi lonke.
Thembelani Ralgane
Bisho, South Africa
Tat'oMkhulu Madiba. Thank you for helping make SA what it is today: a free country where we children can fulfil all our dreams. I wish I (10 years old) and my three-months-old brother (Uviwe) can grow to be good people like you. If I had your address I would send you the card I have designed for you.
Olwethu (10) and Uviwe Boso (3 months)
Johannesburg, South Africa
Dear Madiba, Happy Birthday! Thank you for teaching us that our past need not make us hate and that our differences can unite us. May your legacy of unification stand as a beacon to future generations.
Natasha Rose
Sunninghill, Johannesburg, South Africa
Happy Birthday Mr Nelson Mandela, I hope you enjoy every moment. You are my inspiration, I will always follow in what you have done for the people in our wonderful country and the people around the world.
Ricky
Kistensamy
Lenasia South, Johannesburg, South Africa
Happy birthday, Madiba. May you live to see 100 and God Bless.
Ricardo Davids
Eersterivier, Cape Town, South Africa
Happy 85th birthday. Your are really a great inspiration for all of us.
Dept. Finance, Regional Office
Springbok, South Africa
May God bless you.
Johan Bowers
Montana, Cape Town, South Africa
Thank you for inspiring us to be better. It is an honour to share a country with you. Happy Birthday.
Angelique
Johannesburg, South Africa,
Thousands of times you have been told this and many more times I believe it will be spoken of you. You have demonstrated to the children of Africa the epitome of leadership, passion and dedication at their pinnacle. Thank you, Madiba, for sharing with us your hope and vision for this continent. Have a wonderful time as you celebrate your life, legacy
and longevity. Much love and respect.
Tembwe Mutungu
Johannesburg, South Africa
Great Madiba, the world needs a millions men like you to make it become really what God has planned for it. Happy birthday and I wish you 85 more years.
Arlindo Mondlane
Maputo, Mozambique
Happy Birthday! We wish you all of life's richest blessings. May all your dreams come true - greatest dad in the world.
Martha Sibaya
Letlhabile, Brits, South Africa
May you live to see many more good years and stay as sweet as you are.
Stella Scholtz
Bosmont, Johannesburg, South Africa
I wish him a happy birthday and may he enjoy his day. We thank you as South Africans living in Lesotho. We love you.
Mendi Phase
Lesotho
Many Happy Returns to an inspiring example to us all. May God Bless you on your birthday and the many more wonderful years to
come.
Rochelle Moodley
Johannesburg
Happy Birthday Madiba. May you be blessed with many more years with us. You are truly an inspiration to us all. Have a good one.
Haymie
Cape Town, South Africa
The SGB, Principal, Educators and Learners of Brakpan High School wish you a blessed birthday. May you continue to inspire thousands!
Dr Janse van Rensburg
Boksburg, Gauteng, South Africa
On this day, I wish you many more years of good health. You really make me proud to be South African, and African in particular. You truly represent the triumph of the human spirit against adversity and hopeless situationa. We thank God for having given us the divine gift that is you Tata. This is your day, all of it, enjoy it. Happy birthday!!
Jacob Tshabangu
Polokwane, South Africa
You have taught us about forgiveness. I am now teaching my children that. We have great respect for you.
May you have a very happy year and may many more children be blessed just because you are here!!!
Serena Pienaar
Gauteng, South Africa
Hartlik geluk - u vergifnis en nederigheid is 'n voorbeeld vir al ons Afrikaanse blanke mense. Ons salueer u!
S Joubert
Cape Town, South Africa
Happy birthday Tata Madiba. You are a true inspiration to me, I love you. Godspeed.
Sheldon Fisher
Eldorado Park, South Africa
Happy birthday tata Mandela. May you keep up the good work you do, you are a true inspiration for all us.
Sandile Mdlalose
Randburg
Happy Birthday Nkosi yamaThembu, a living legend who continues to inspire us.
Qondile Khedama
Bloemfontein, South Africa
Happy Birthday, we love you lots.
Adele Simpson
Bryanston, Sandton, South Africa
Dear Mister Mandela, a special birthday wish for a great president and
leader. May your life be filled with all the happiness, peace and love you deserve.
Collin
Kimberley, South Africa
Happy Birthday Nelson. If ever a man deserved to see 85, you do!
Nathan Samuel
Lenasia, Gauteng, South Africa
Dearest Madiba, I wish for once you can enjoy a quiet time with your family and friends. Happy birthday to the President of the Country and the world.I hope you are knighted soon. SIR Nelson Mandela
Zakhele Ka Mazibuko
Johannesburg, South Africa
Tata, Sibonga uthixo ngokusigcinela wena yonke leminyaka kanye nenkululeko owasilethela yona. Ukhule ungakhokhobi wena ka Madiba.
Thulani kaMavuso
Randburg, South Africa
Happy birthday to the living legend. May there be many more. Viva Madiba.
Wendy
Cape Town, South Africa
Happy birthday TATA MADIBA. May our good Lord bless you and shine his grace on you. You are one of the
great leaders of the world. May you see many years to come. The world will be a peaceful place with leaders like you. Again, happy 85th birthday TATA.
Rudzani Mundalamo
Mondeor, Johannesburg, South Africa
Happy 85th Birthday, Mr. Mandela, your achievements are truly an inspiration to so many. Thank you.
Aileen
Dublin, Ireland
Happy birthday Tata Madiba. You will forever be in our hearts and mind. We love you Tata. May the Lord give you more years.
Johannes Nkambule
Mamelodi, Pretoria, South Africa
Hi.Tata. I just wanna say it’s a great honour sending you this message. I wish I could meet you in person, so does my three-year old daughter. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a happy birthday and may God spare you for many, many more years. Mister Madiba, you are my role model, so I pray to God to spare you many, many more healthy years to come. Enjoy your birthday!!!!! With all my
love and with great respect for you. I salute you on your birthday. Love.
Nadia Buys
Gauteng, South Africa
Rolihlahla! Tata. The feeling that went through me the very first time I saw you at the Super Stadium in Atteridgeville still stands. I would like to wish you the best for your birthday and may you see many more. I know that you are a busy person, but given the chance I would like to meet you, even if it's for five minutes. Please consider my humble request. Love You.
Thabo Gare
Pretoria, South Africa
Dear Madiba, I wish you many more years and great joys to make up for the lost years in prison. I hope you will make the time left worthwhile for your family and not just for the millions of people around the world that you inspire. Our families are the people that count the most and who will miss us most when we are gone. Best wishes.
Roderick Botha
Cape Town, South Africa
Happy Birthday
Madiba. You are such a wonderful person. I can only hope to accomplish one-quarter of what you have. I admire your spirit and your deeply sincere nature. I hope the world can be blessed with more people like you. Happy Birthday. We are all grateful for your 85 years!
Janine Miller
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Happy birthday Tata. Hope that you can share with the other African leaders the secret to being a legend. I have learned from you that a serene, giving soul is what we need to succeed, to forgive those who do me wrong, and always do what I believe is right. May God spare you.
Mari-Ann Norman
Bochabela, South Africa
I wish you all the best at this auspicious time and may you see many more joyful years. Thank you for everything that you have done to get South Africa to what it is now.
Bavina
Cape Town, South Africa
Happy birthday our father, you are the president of the world. May leaders
of the world learn from your leadership skills. Other continents appreciate Africa because of your work. Thank you. We love you.
Sihle
Kwamashu, South Africa
Happy birthday, Tata Madiba. May God the Almighty bless you on this special day and may He bless you with another 10 years because the nation still needs your guidance. Many more happy returns. Love you.
Shaun and Lulama Lewis
Saulsville, Pretoria, South Africa
To a Great Man, may God give you strength and health to see years and years to come. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE OUR PRESIDENT AND FATHER.HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
Mareldia Ryklief
Cape Town, South Africa
Dearest Madiba, you truly are a great, warm and giving man. May your birthday be a beautiful, exciting day. You deserve to be spoilt rotten! May the years ahead be filled with success, good times, great friends and memories! Warm regards.
Jeanne and Oloff Sieberhagen
Cape Town, South
Africa
Have a wonderful day, Madiba. Omde ukhule ungakhokhobi indlela usibonisile halala sophotsho.
Gerald Nojilili
Thsepisong Location, South Africa
Tata, You are a blessing to mankind. God Bless you on this important milestone.
Deon Cloete & Josias Sambo
Ennerdale, South Africa
You are the finest man I have ever known. I wish your wisdom could be shared by the leadership in Zimbabwe. I wish you many more years to come.
Annie Mufunde
Gweru, Zimbabwe
Viva Madiba! long live Madiba! forever and ever, the pillar of anti-apartheid. Amandla.
PK Madiba Raditsebe
Botswana, Gaborone
Happy Birthday, Mr Mandela! As a South African who lived through the transformation, I believe the "miracle" that occurred can largely be attributed to your statesmanship. May this birthday be one of many more to come!
Anthony King
San
Antonio, Texas
Mr Mandela, I wish you a happy birthday from me and as well the Somalian people around the world.
Nour Ali
Rochester, Minneapolis, USA
Happy Birthday, Madiba. All other statesmen can take a leaf from your book.
Tienie Botha
Windhoek, Namibia
Ukwanda kwaliwa mthakathi. Ithjudu, ubuhle kanye nokuzuza okungapheliko akutjharhathele ngakuwe Rolihlahla baba MANDELA.
Petrus Vusi Ndimande
Mpumalanga, South Africa
Thanx Madiba. You stick to your moral principles. You cannot be bought, not even by Bush. Let your legacy be an inspiration to all African Leaders. Happy Birthday Madiba.
Negro Deo
Pretoria, South Africa
Happy birthday Mr Mandela. You have been a tremendous inspiration to me with your words, but most of all with your deeds and actions. May your day be blessed and amazing!
Cassie Carstens
Pretoria, South
Africa
Long Live Nelson Mandela ... I wish Pakistan could have a leader like you.
Ali Khan
Toronto, Canada
Well done, Sir. Many happy returns. I visited the cell where you stayed. How did you do it? Here's to 85 years of suffering and triumph - an inspiration to the nation.
Andrew Godbold
London, UK
Dear Sir, Happy birthday from Paul, Mark, Simon, Sally, Martin, Sam, Ben and Caroline.
Paul Notcutt
Durban, South Africa
Mr Mandela, I hope that I can lead half the life you have. May your life and quiet dignity be an inspiration to others. Happy birthday!
Fred Opere
Dallas, Texas, USA
I'll always regret not fighting through the crowd to touch you the day I saw you in UND. I'm praying for many happy returns of your days. Always my President and my Champ.
Kgatutu Linscott Mathekga
Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa
saviour of our
nation, statesman to the world. may you continue to dispense your wisdom and counsel for many years to come.
Dr N Ramdhani and family
Durban, South Africa
To South Africa's 'Oupa', Leader, Freedom Fighter!!! You have fought the good fight and run the race, I salute you oupa, have a wonderful birthday and GOD BLESS YOU!!!
Lester Grendon
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Dear Mr Mandela, You have been my hero for many years, your humility and courage have always been the example that I tell people here in Beirut they should follow if we want the warlike tendencies to end. You have always reminded me of my favourite quote ... "Where there is love there is always time and nothing is too much trouble" - Abdul Baha. I hope that your birthday will be filled with love, family and good friends. There is no one in the world that deserves all the good things that God has given to us ... HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND WARM LOVE FROM
BEIRUT.
Kelly Boucher
Beirut, Lebanon
Thank you for giving our children a future and for helping to make South Africa a country we can be proud of. We appreciate everything you continue to do for South Africa. A very happy 85th birthday and many more.
Brett, Sarah, Matthew, Jason, Caitlin and Gregory Maselle
Johannesburg, South Africa
Long life and happiness.
Edward Bullerwell
Nova Scotia, Canada
Dear sir Mandela, I would like to congratulate you and the people from South Africa on your 85th birthday. My deep respect and gratitude to you.
Polly Levens
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Happy Birthday Madiba. You're an everlasting inspiration to all humankind. A modern sage and one who continually inspires us to be a better person in every thought, word and deed. Thank you for sharing your remarkable wisdom and love. Wishing you a wonderful day with your loved ones and long
life.
Shirley Dyer
Cape Town, South Africa
Happy Birthday Nelson from Toronto, Canada. A symbol of excellence and a beacon of hope for the many. Come back to visit Canada. Viva.
E Wanzusi
Canada
Madiba, happy returns on your birthday. Words cannot describe the inspiration that you have been for myself and family. What a tragedy that we as South Africans have been deprived of such brilliant leadership and insight for so long. With love from all of us in Worcester. Also, may the Lord bless your wonderful and supporting wife.
Clifton Frolick
Worcester, South Africa
Happy birthday to a brave son of Africa, we wish you many more Madiba. May you live longer.
Max Matavire
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
May God Bless you with many more years and may South Africa see peace in your lifetime.
Tyron
Ireland
On behalf of all the Quilters in SA, a
very happy birthday, you are an inspiration to us all! Geniet die dag! You have been the inspiration to many quilts made in SA!
Marilyn Pretorius, President, SA Quilters' Guild
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Wishing you a very happy and healthy 85th birthday. May your future always be filled with good health, happiness and laughter!
Daniela Marks
Gauteng, South Africa
I am proud to have been your comrade. Carry on the good work. You still lead.
Ron Press
Bristol, England
Sikufisela usuku oluhle lokuzalwa Mkhulu. Uyigugu lethu!
Nontobeko and Pinky Tsotetsi
Los Angeles, California, USA
May you enjoy many more birthdays with us. My husband and I are 82 years of age and will celebrate our 62nd wedding anniversary on 10th August. Have a wonderful happy, healthy year ahead. We love you.
Doreen Monckton
Durban, South Africa
Acrostic tribute to an
aristocrat. With best wishes for a wonderful birthday.
18 July 2003
Madiba will forever be
A model of integrity
Daring danger for the right
In the face of settled might.
But with wisdom, charm and grace
And a smile upon his face.
Tickey de Jager
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Hey MADIBA!! I think you are the greatest man that has ever lived. I personally want to thank you for the massive role you have played in making South Africa the great country it is. I can now say I am PROUDLY South African! You are a role model for me and many other other South Africans. **HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!** with lots of warm South African wishes. PS... Hope you make it to 100! :)
Thomas Coggin
Johannesburg, South Africa
Tata Madiba, your life is a blessing to many. I wish you all the best as you celebrate your 85th BD and I
pray that the good Lord will keep you strong for many years to come. God bless you Madiba and have a nice day.
Azah Abanda
Arkansas, USA
Dear Madiba, I had the honor of hearing you speak at Texas Southern University (TSU) a few years ago. Your message captivated and inspired. Do enjoy this birthday and many more.
Michael Cato
Houston, Texas, USA
Happy Birthday! May the God of Love and forgiveness keep you strong and healthy.
Wilfred Francis
Billerica, Massachusetts, USA
Madiba, happy birthday to you. May God bless and keep you safely in the palm of his Almighty Hand. Best Wishes.
The Bence Family
Crosby, Johannesburg, South Africa
Ndikunqwenelela impilo ende nentle TATA wethu. Ulonwabele usuku lwako Mkhulu.
Nolinda Ngamlana
Butterworth, South Africa
Tata wanga usomandla, umsindisi wehlabati, usonini nanini angakubabala akwandisele
intsuku.
Nombuzo
Butterworth, South Africa
Blessings be upon you. Happy birthday Madiba.
Ross Kudo
Cape Town, South Africa
Dear Madiba, I just wonder how you spent 27 birthdays on cold Robben Island. We love you Madiba and hope you live forever. On your birthday let the world into your famous jive. Happy birthday Madiba.
Vincent, Priscilla, Trish, Darryn and Kamy Govender
Durban, South Africa
Dearest Madiba, We would like to congratulate you on your 85th Birthday. We wish You many more years. Thank you for being there for us.
All the Grade Ones, Piet Van Vuuren Primary School
South Africa
Sir, I am a coloured South African, there is a saying that goes like this, during apartheid we were too black to be white, now we are too white to be black, please can you encourage the inclusion and respect of the coloured community in your birthday speech.
Tyron
South
Africa
Dear Madiba, you are an incredible man. I am sorry for all the precious years lost. We still have so much to learn from you, so much to admire. Our dream is to meet you one day. Happy birthday, may you have many more.
Wilma, James, Jason and Brandon Muller
Virginia, Free State, South Africa
To Mr Nelson Rolihlahla Madiba Mandela, I feel honoured, Blessed and humbled by this wonderful opportunity to wish You a very happy 85th birthday. To me, You are GOD'S Gift to our beautiful South Africa including the Rest of our Continent and the World. Thank you for humbly giving yourself as a Servant for Humanity, A true Leader, A Statesman of Integrity and an Inspiration to every human being who has met you, read about you or seen your sincere and loving smile on Television. My Birthday wish for you is that GOD will continue to Bless You with the desires of your heart including excellent health. The mention of your name fills my heart with
warmth and excitement. Best Regards.
Dereck Wallace
Durban, South Africa
Very many happy returns to the Father of all South Africans. May you be spared to live many more years. Thank you for making SA a safe place for all people to live in. You are wonderful!!
Louise Syfret
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Happy birthday and may GOD bless you with many more, have a wonderful day.
Coert and Sandra Oberholzer
Louis Trichardt, South Africa
Happy Birthday Madiba! You are an inspiration to the people of the world. You make us all proud to be South Africans! Thank you for sacrificing so much for your beautiful country! Much love!
Keith Henderson
Johannesburg, South Africa
Happy birthday, Mr Mandela. May you have blessed years and may your followers walk on your footprints. We honour you and your model. Enjoy your Birthday with your beloved ones and the rest of the people of
South Africa. God Bless.
Marianne Myburgh
Wellington, South Africa
Dear Mr Mandela, I want you to know that of all the human beings on Earth, you are the very finest example of how we all should be, how we should all live, behave, interact. When asked the question, if I could have dinner with anyone in the world I choose, my answer is always Nelson Mandela. I would love to sit across the table from you and learn more about patience, forgiveness, gratitude, love, respect, inner peace, peace of mind, personal growth, kindness, determination, commitment, vision, and all of the other wonderful qualities you embody. I would love to sit quietly and listen as you tell me the stories of your 85 years of living. My heart is in South Africa, and my warmest wishes go out to you on your birthday and always. Infinite love and thanks to Madiba the King of All Humankind.
Jill Duncan
Denver, Colorado, USA
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Hi, my name is
Darryn and I am 13 years old and still in school. I am wishing you a very special birthday and may all your wishes come true!
Darryn Govender
Durban, South Africa
Happy Birthday Madiba. I thank you for everything that you mean to this country. If the rest of us had half of your courage, dignity and honesty we would be truly blessed.
Aslam
Cape Town, South Africa
To Madiba on your birthday: You are the one true South African hero - a man of courage, grace and true goodness. Although I am not home in South Africa for your birthday, I will be in spirit. Have a wonderful day. And thank you for everything you have done for our wonderful country.
Jane Silva
Bath, UK
Happy birthday Madiba. May u have many more! U have been an inspiration for young and old from all walks of life.
David, Lydiamarie, Marisan and Rita Beck
Pretoria, South Africa
Happy Birthday to an absolutely
amazing person. I wish everything that is beautiful for you for the coming year. :D Have a good one!
Yvette Carroll
Randburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Happy Birthday Nelson Mandela, May our Lord Bless you for many more happy healthy birthdays, with lots of joy and health. We as White South Africans thank you for all you have done to keep our beautiful country at peace - thank you so very much, we love you Nelson Mandela, you are so very special to all of us.
Stella and Mike Erasmus
Durban, South Africa
Dear Madiba, I have a wonderful picture of you wishing the South African Team well in the Housing Compound for the Sydney Olympics. May you continue to inspire our Nation, Teams and Individuals. Happy Happy.
Anthony and Annette Spillebeen
Cape Town, South Africa
Happy birthday dear Mr Mandela. Thank you for teaching us to smile and dance again. We'll celebrate your special day with you.
Hilly
Mohr
Durbanville, Cape Town, South Africa
Age is not measured by number of years, but by what one does and what one achieves. Happy Birthday, Dad.
Lulama Songca
Queenstown, South Africa
Madiba, what you have achieved over the past few years is nothing short of remarkable, one could ony dream of what this country could have been now if you were given the opportunity 20 years ago. May you continue to grace us in SA and the rest of the world with your presence for many a long year yet. May God continue to spread his blessings on your life.
Ronnie Luck Orkney
North West Province, South Africa
God's richest Birthday Blessings to a Great Man. May you be spared to spend many more years in this wonderful country of ours. You are truly a man of peace.
Barbara Aissing
Durban, South Africa
Wishing you a joyous and special day and hoping the days which lie ahead will be happy and
memorable for you. God Bless.
Michelle
Cape Town, South Africa
tata wethu, myself and my family are wishing you a happy birthday. and wish you also many many years to come.
Mthunzi Majizakazana
Uitenhage, South Africa
Hi Sir, I am a South African and I live in Maryland here in America. I really admire and appreciate what you have done for South Africa so have a pleasant 85th birthday.
George Awah
Maryland, USA
Bon Anniversaire, Madiba! Wishing you long life and happiness!
Nelson Magombo
Dakar, Senegal
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The Nelson Mandela 85th Birthday Message Book:
